Melissa Gilbert Sits Out With Concussion and More 'Dancing with the Stars' Injuries

By SHEILA MARIKAR

April 10, 2012

ABC

Cha-cha-cha-ing to the top of "Dancing with the Stars" doesn't come without cuts, bruises, and broken bones. ABC's hit dance competition show was the scene yet another injury Monday night, as Melissa Gilbert was rushed to the hospital following an aggressive paso doble that left her with whiplash and a mild concussion.

Her professional partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, also hurt himself. "He hurt his elbow during rehearsal doing one of the tricks," his brother Val Chmerkovskiy told People magazine. "And now he pulled his groin."

Though Gilbert didn't appear to hit her head, "DWTS" host Tom Bergeron told the audience, "She injured herself, and as a precaution she's gone to the hospital to get checked out."

On "The View" this morning, fellow contestant Sherri Shepherd said Gilbert's "adrenaline was running so high that I don't think she noticed when it happened, but when she came upstairs, she was dizzy and nauseous."

Later, the former "Little House on the Prairie" star tweeted "I'm alright" and "Very soon I will be safely home resting and being taken care of."

Gilbert was expected to return to "Dancing" for tonight's results show, but host Tom Bergeron said the actress had taken the day off to rest "on her doctor's advice." She will return to the show next week.

Gilbert is the latest "DWTS" participant to suffer an injury. Read on to see seven other stars who've gone from shimmying and shaking to resting and recuperating:

ABC

Kym Johnson

The "DWTS" professional dancer went to the hospital last year after falling and injuring her neck during a practice session with Pittsburgh Steelers player Hines Ward. After being outfitted for a neck brace, she returned to the show. She and Hines went on to win the 12th season.

ABC

Jennifer Grey

Grey scored the coveted mirror ball trophy in season 11, but it came at a cost. Shortly after winning, she underwent back surgery for a ruptured disc. "Compared to the other surgeries I had on my neck, my doctor says it won't be a big deal," she told "Access Hollywood." The "Dirty Dancing" star endured several surgeries after a 1987 car accident and had her neck operated on in 2010 after doctors discovered a cancerous spot on her thyroid.

ABC

Steve-O

The former star of MTV's "Jackass" was probably expecting a cake walk on "DWTS." Not so. In 2009, he missed multiple shows and had to see a chiropractor and a physical therapist after landing on his mic pack while attempting a flip during a rehearsal.

ABC

Gilles Marini

French actor Gilles Marini suffered not one but two injuries during the 8th season of "DWTS." Before the season premiere, he was set back by a groin inflammation. Midway through the season, he went under the knife to repair his separated shoulder which was caused by work on the show.

ABC

Nancy O'Dell and Jewel

These two were axed from season eight before they officially hit the dance floor. "Entertainment Tonight" host Nancy O'Dell twisted her knee and went under the knife for a torn meniscus; singer Jewel fractured both her tibias and was unable to perform. They were replaced by Hugh Hefner's former gal pal Holly Madison and "Bachelor" alum Melissa Rycroft.

ABC

Misty May-Treanor

The Olympic beach volleyball champ bit the dust on "DWTS." After tearing her Achilles tendon, Misty May-Treanor underwent surgery and had to withdraw from season seven.

ABC

Cristián de la Fuente

Season six of "DWTS" saw Chilean-American actor Cristián de la Fuente tear a tendon in his left arm. The injury required surgery, a sling, and cost him the trophy, as he and partner Cheryl Burke left the competition a week after the accident.